Process and apparatus for regulating peed and density of pulp



Sept. 21, 1926;. mwgsi R. E. HALL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FEED AND DENSITY 0F PULP TO A PULP MOLDING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 29, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 21 1926. 1,600,731-

R. E. HALL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FEED AND DENSITY OF PULP TO A PULP MOLDING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 29, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 21,1926. 1,600,731

RVEJ HALL fl PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FEED AND DENSITY OF PULP TO'A PULP MOLDING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 29, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Iii/67 2 for: 71/257666 2?:(7102'6/ ZIQ'IZ,

Patented Sept. '21, 1926.

UNITED STATES imam PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD E l-1.5131, OF CLEAN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO SEAMAN CONTAINER MFG. 'CO., OF OLEAN, NEW YGRK, ACORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FEED ANQD' DENSITY OF PULP TO A PULP-MOLDING MACHINE.

Application filed December 29, 1924, Serial No. 758,507.

"This invention relates to improvements in process and apparatus for uniform pulping, and refers more particularly to the automaticregulationof the consistency offibrous to discover the secret'of so controlling the introduction of fresh fibrous pulp solution and the wlthdrawal for use of clrculating pulp solutions so as to automatically control shown in the drawings and described in the specification, as are necessary for a clear understanding of the present improvement. One specifioembodiment of my invention may be described as follows: v Fibrous pulp of a given consistency is fed into a primary bulk supply having an overflow which controls the level of the pulp solution therein, and, therefore, the amount of pulp. At predetermined periods, the valve on the primary bulk supply may be automatically opened, and all or any part of the entire contents thereof may be discharged into a mixing tank from which it may flow' preferably by gravity, to one end ofthe'felting tank. From the opposite end ofthe felting tank the excess portions of the pulp solution may be withdrawn, preferably by means of a pump, and may be forced to the mixing tank. Flow of water into the mixing tank may be automatically governed by a float valve, serving to maintain a very nearly constant level in the felting tank.

By this arrangement, I am able to positively control the amount and. weight of pulp introduced to the mixingand felting tanks from the primary bulk supply, as well'as the amount of water introduced and simultaneously therewith, maintain a cyclic circulation of the pulp solutionbetvv n'thg mixing and felting tanks, 6

Renewed January 5, 1926.

The amount of fibrous pulp depositing on forms introduced to the felting tank depends chlefly upon the time and amount of suction,

and the density of the pulp, but, is also at? fected by the nature of the fibre, tempera-- ture of'the pulp and cleanness ofthe screens. As all of these items vary, an automatic control is absolutely essential in obtaining articles of uniform weight when dry.

The advantages and novel features of the process and apparatus will be discussed in the following description.

Fig. 1 is an end elevational view, and Fig.

2 1s aside elevational view, of apparatus for carrying out my invention. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of same. 4 1s a side elevational detail'of the mechanism for automatically opening and closing the pulp solution supply valve.

Referring in detail to the drawings, 1 designates a primary bulk supply tankinto which fibrous pulp of a given consistency is introduced. This tank preferably has a conically shaped bottom for more accurate regulation, although this is not essential. The tank 1 communicates through nipple 2 with the T 3 having open communication with pipe 4 which has swing oint 5, vertical overflowv pipe 6, having outlet 7 discharging into trough 8. The arrangement is such that the overflow pipe 6 is adapted to be positioned at a predetermined angle to auto matically regulate the level in the tank 1, and thereby accurately control the amount of pulp introduced. On the opposite side of the T 3 is an extension 9, in which is interposed the valve 10, the operation of which will be hereinafter explained. The pipe 9 dischargesinto the mixing tank 11, which preferably has a free communication by means of'pipe 12 with the felting tank 13. On the opposite end of the felting tank 13,

and preferably adjacent the lower part thereof, is the pump 14, communicating by means of the slanting riser15 with the HllX- f ing tank 13. The conical tank 1 may be supported in any desired manner, for in= :stance, by the supporting standards 16. Wa

ter may be introduced: to the mixing tank 11 through the inlet 17 controlled by float valve 18 eommunicatingby meansfof the lever 19 with the ball 20; it being 111K161? stoodthat when the -level in the tank '11 tallsythe ball" 20 Will" also i fall andeventus ally open the valve 18 to permit the intro duction of water. The felting tank 13 may be connected with the stationary suction pipe 21 having the enlarged stationary connecting joint which communicates with asuction header rotating in tank 13.

It must be understood that the broad principle of the present invention is adapted for use with any process or apparatus which contemplates the production of ielted fibrous articles.

The automatic functioning of the mechanism for opening and closing the valves may be detcribed as follows: Projecting outwardly from the valve 10 is the stem 23,having a star wheel 24. fixedly keyed on its extremity, it being understood that the rotation of the stem will rotate the valve 1G to open or close same. On predetermined arms 25 which as disclosed and describeo in detail in my co-pending application heretofore referred to, are radial extensions from the. hub on the rotating wheel to the segmental plates 26, extending in a circular plane from the ex tremities of said arms 25 to a point short of contact with the next succeeding arm. Pro-- jecti'ng from the surface of these plates 26, at substantially right angles thereto, are two pins 27 and 28. The arrangement is such that as the connecting rod 29 is moved vertically in the guide 80, the hook on said connecting rod registers with studs on the arm 25 to pull same for a predetermined distance ot rotation in an arc. .Yhen the arm 25 carrying the plate 26 and pins 27 and 28 is moved, the pin 27 contacts the star wheel 21 whi h opens the valve 10 to allow a regulated amount of pulp solution from tank 1 to be discharged into the mixing," tank 11. It is understood that the pin 2. is in movement at the time of contact with the star wheel and passes said star wheel. The continued movement of the arm 25 brings the pin 28 into contact with the star wheel which causes said star wheel to be rotated, for instance, a quaftcr turn, to close valve 10.

It is understood that the valve 10 may be manually opened and closed, if desired, at predetermined intervals, after the number or". pails have been produced, corresponding to the charge of wet pulp in tank 1, which controlled in amount by the overflow 6. This overflow also regulates the amount of pulp solution discharged into the mixing tank 11, when operated automatically as the entire charge may be discharged into the mixing tank 11 during the time the valve 10 is open. In pr tire, it has been found that on account of e weight of pulp solution in the bulk supply 1, and the force of gravity, the entire contents of tank 1 will be discharged di'iring the time the valve 10 ac th pr the chain wl ich drives the the felting forms are mounted. A a pracic'alillustration of one manner in which the present invention is carried out in practice, may be cited the following: If it is desired to obtain pails having a uniform weight, when dry, or" say, two pounds, and the pins 27 ant 28 are placed so as to discharge the conical tank 1, say, every "fourth pressing, where there are eight felting forms on the wheel, the overflow pipe 6 is set so that the conical tank 1 holds jus eight pounds of dry weight pulp. (160 pounds wet weight 5% pulp). As there used about 1% pulp in the felting tank (that is, 1 part of pulp to 99 parts of water), it follows that between each discharge tron: tank 1 into m'xing tank 11 through the valve 10, the float valve 18 and pipe 1'? adds about ii-ll) pounds of water, It the fibre is free and warm, and the felting; term scteeus clean (time and amount oi? suction being uniformly maintained), more water will be drawn through the ioraminations of the :lorni and a deposit of more than two pounds oi fibre on each pail will be made. Thus, the float valve 18 will be actuated by the level falli g in tank 11 to add more water than usual to bring the level in tank 11 up to normal, which results in making the pulp less dense andv the succeedingtelted prod act. will have less fibre deposited on it, and it has been my experience in operation that thefcited products soon come to two pounds and remain there with negligible variation.

On the other hand it has been found that. it the felt? 1g screens are partially clogged with dirt the fibre not free, etc, the suction will not withdraw as much water as usual, and there is le s than two pounds of tibre deposited, then the float valve 18 adds less water, the pulp becomes denser and although no increased amount 011' water is withdrawn by the suction, the "felting forms will have more fibre deposited on it (through its increased den] y) and deposits more fibre on the felting forms and the felted producis return to two pounds weight.

I have given a specific illustration in the foregoing, but it is to be understood ti at I do not in anyway wish to limit myself e;- cept as set forth in the appended claims. In its broad aspects, the principle of the present invention, namely, the automatic regulation and maintenance of the introduction of pulp solution and the consequent production of felted products of sulstantially uniform weight.

I" claim as my invention:

1. A process of regulating feed and density of pulp to pulp molding or felting machine, consisting in maintaining a pri- 'mary bulk supply of pulp solution, automatically introducing at predetermined times pulp solution from the latter to a secondary bulk supply, substant ally regulatcontinuously Withdrawing pulp turning excess portions of pulp solution from the latter to the secondary bulk supply, thus maintaining a cyclic circulation between the secondary bulk supply and the supply in the felting tank.

2. A process of regulating feed and density of pulp to a pulp molding or felting machine, consisting in maintaining a pri mary bulk supply of pulp solution, automatically introducing at predetermined times regulated amounts of pulp solution from the latter to a secondary bulk supply automatically regulating the introduction of water to said secondary bulk supply functioned by the level of pulp solution therein, solution from the secondary bulk supply and introducing same to a. felting tank, continuously returning excess portions of pulp solution from the latter to the secondary bulk sup ply, thus maintaining a forced cyclic circulation between" the secondary bulk supply and the supply in the felting tank.

3. A process of regulating feed and density of pulp to a pulp molding or felting machine, consisting in maintaining a primary bulk supply of pulp solution, automatically introducing at predetermined times regulated amounts of pulp solution from the latter to a secondary bulk supply, automatically regulating the introduction of Water to said secondary bulk supply functioned by the level of pulp solution therein, continuously Withdrawing pulp so lution from the secondary bulk supply by gravity, and introducing same to a felting tank, continuously returning excess portions under forced pressure, of pulp solution from the latter to the secondary bulk supply, thus maintaining a forced cyclic circulation between the secondary bulk supply and the supply in the felting tank.

A. A processof automatically regulating the consistency and density of fibrouspulp solutions, consisting in maintaining a primary bulk supply of pulp of known controlled consistency, maintaining a predetermined level in said primary bulk supply, automatically, discharging at predetermined times the pulp to a secondary bulk supply, introducing Water to the latter, automat ically regulating the introduction of said water by the level in said secondary bulk supply, introducing pulp solution from the latter to a felting zone in which a body of pulp solution is maintained, felting portions of the pulp in the latter, returning excess portions to said secondary bulk supply, thus maintaining a cyclic circulation between the felting zone and secondary bulk supply,

5; A process of automatically regulating the consistency and density of fibrous pulp solutions, consisting in maintaining a primary bulk supply of pulp solution of known controlled consistenc maintaining a predetermined liquid leve in said primary bulk supply, automatically dischargingat predetermined times the entire content of pulp solution to a secondary bulk supply, introducing water to the latter, automatically regulating the introduction of said water by the level in said secondary bulk supply, continuously introducing pulp solution by gravity from the latter to a felting zone in which a body of pulp solution is maiir tained, felting portions of the pulp in the latter, continuously returning excess portions under forced pressure to said secondary bulk supply thus maintaining a con tinuous forced cyclic circulation between the felting zone and secondary bulk supply.

6. In apparatus for regulating feed and density of pulp to a pulp molding or felting machine, the combination with means for maintaining a primary bulk supply of pulp, means communicating therewith for maintaining a secondary bulk supply having water inlet, means for controlling the liquid level in said secondary bulk supply functioning to, automatically regulate the introduction of water, valve mechanism interposed between the primary and secondthe introduction of water, valve mechanism interposed between the primary and secondary bulk supply, a felting zone having communication with the secondary bulk supply having a pump for returning excess portions from the feltin zone to the secondary bulk supply under pressure, and means for automatically opening the valve mechanism at predetermined times to discharge pulp from the primary bulk supply into the secondary bulk supply. I 7

8. In apparatus for regulating feed and density of pulp to a pulp molding or felting machine, the combination with means for maintaining a primary bulk supply of pulp,

means communicating therewith for main- I taining a secondary bulk supply having water inlet, means for controlling'the liquid le el in said second y ulk supply functioning to automatically regulate the introduction of Water, valve mechanism interposed between the primary and secondary hulk supply a felting zone having communication with the secondary bulk supply means communicatingbetween the bulk supply, for returning excess portions from the felting zone to the secondary bulk supply, and means for maintaining a forced circulation between the felting zone and said secondary bulk supply.

9. A process-of regulating density and teed of pulp to a felting machine, compris ing maintaining a primary hulk supply of pulp solution, in introducing at predetermined times pulp from the latter to a secondary bull: supply, re 'ulating the introduction of Water to said secondary bulk supply Withdrawing pulp solution from the secondary bull; supply and introducing same to a felting tank and returning excess of pulp solution "from the felting tank to the secondary bulk supply thus maintaining a cyclic circulating aetireen the secondary bull: supply and the supply in the felting tank.

10. A process of regulating density and feed of pulp to a pulp molding or felting machine, comprising maintaining a primary hulk supply of pulp solution, introducing at predetermined times pulp solution "from the primary bulk supply to a secondary bull: supply automatically regulating the introduction of water to said secondary bulk supply, Withdrawing pulp solution from the secondary bulk supply and introducing same to a telting, or molding tank, returning excess pulp solution from the latter to the secondary hull: supply, thus maintaining a cyclic circulating between the secondary bulk supply and the supply in the felting tank.

ll. A process of regulating density and iced of pulp to a pulp molding or felting n chine, comprising maintaining a primary ull: supply of pulp solution, automatically lucing pulp solution from the primary supp y to a secondary bulk supply, utomatically regulating the introduction of ter to said secondary bulk supply functioned by the level of pulp solution therein, w thdrawing pulp solution from the secondbull: supply and introducing same to a ging or molding tank.

l v Milli.

RICHARD E. HALL. 

